With the court being unavailable on Thursday, Victoria School offered to play us in a friendly game in their school on Wednesday which we took up. This friendly match will be the first for the ‘C’ Division after their previous game against River Valley High School. The boys were in no uncertain terms about the quality of their opponents and they would have to step up their game in order to do well. It would be a good eye-opener for the boys to play against the ‘C’ Division champions.

The first period began brightly but it did not take long for Victoria School to breach our defences. The only consolation was a goal scored by Jiali after the keeper was put off position following a shot.

‘C’ Division Friendly
Victoria School vs Catholic High School
VS Indoor Sports Hall
13-1 (4-1, 6-0, 3-0)

There were more to come in the second period as Victoria piled up the pressure, bouyed by the 4-1 scoreline from the first period. They put in 6 goals with no reply from us, courtesy of some slack defending from the team. The final period was much better as we conceded only 3 goals.

‘B’ Division Friendly
Victoria School vs Catholic High School
VS Indoor Sports Hall
12-4 (2-2, 3-0, 2-1, 5-1)

The ‘B’ Division boys were a better bet as we emerged from the first period tied at 2-2. Ryan Cheng and Darrell Er scored in the 4th and 16th minute respectively. The second period saw Victoria School stepping up the tempo of the game to score 3 goals while we struggled to find the net. We improved in the third period with a tighter defence, and Dickson scored a goal near the end.

However, the players were tired and in the fourth period, several lapses in concentration saw Victoria School nick in a couple of goals which should have been kept out. Jarryl Chan continued his fine scoring form with a well taken goal midway through the period, but we still lost 5-1 in the end.

Some general observations for both teams:
• Space and situational awareness can be improved. Constantly scan the court for openings so as to be able to move the ball around quickly.
• Defence is not just the job of the defenders, forwards are required to drop back and watch their respective markers and help out when necessary.
• When the ball is slow, move towards the ball and pick it up instead of waiting for it to reach you. Opponents can cut in to intercept otherwise.
• The ability to accelerate, sprint and turn is severely lacking, especially among the ‘C’ Division. Players will have to put in more effort in their fitness training in order to improve.

Overall, it was a good match to let the boys know how much they need to catch up in order to do well next season. There is still time to improve and hopefully, everyone will step up a notch in their training.